The Chargers improved themselves Tuesday night with the signing of former Colts running back Donald Brown.

Fast and fairly forceful, he should provide a two-dimensional running threat the Chargers lacked last season when Ryan Mathews was resting or hurt.

Brown is enough of a receiver to lend balance to the offense.

Between the ear holes, he is capable too, a requirement for any newcomer to the brainy Bolts attack. He worked in a no-huddle scheme for two seasons when Peyton Manning was the quarterback and Frank Reich was an assistant. He is smart (24 on the Wonderlic is good for a running back).

You think twice about any running back who has taken NFL hits for five seasons, but Brown's average season workload was about half that of Mathews, a fellow first-round draftee and 26-year-old.

Brown looked fresh most of last season. He gained 5.3 yards per carry. Like Mathews, he evolved last year under a new playcaller who emphasized establishing an inside presence, which can create more chances to bounce outside.

You wouldn't want to give him the ball 25 times a game. With both Mathews and Danny Woodhead under contract, the Chargers can use the 5-foot-11, 210-pounder in his best role, as a situational performer.

Three months ago in the playoffs, having taken the lead role from Trent Richardson, he got 33 touches over the two games. So why did the Colts let him reach free agency? They are spending at other positions this offseason, anticipating that Vick Ballard returns from a season-ending injury. They traded this year's first-round pick for Richardson and seem set on bringing him back, though he didn't live up to head coach Chuck Pagano's memorable description: "a rolling ball of butcher knives."

Provided they don't overexpose him, the Chargers should be pleased with what Brown does for them. And that includes both Mathews and Woodhead, who figure to stay fresher. Brown's contract runs three years. The contracts of Mathews and Woodhead are to expire next offseason.